Obama responds to questions about treatment of Bradley Manning

With controversy raging -- even within the Administration -- about the reportedly harsh treatment of Pfc. Bradley Manning, imprisoned at Quantico and facing charges of leaking classified materials, Obama today was asked to respond to the situation during his press conference.

Obama said, "With respect to Private Manning, I have actually asked the Pentagon whether or not the procedures that have been taken in terms of his confinement are appropriate and are meeting our basic standards. They assure me that they are. I can't go into details about some of their concerns, but some of this has to do with Private Manning's safety as well."

Pressed to respond to State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley's comments specifically, Obama replied, "I think I gave you an answer to the substantive issue."